
.JTlcax 



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[fSICE, 2S CENTS, 



THE 



Burgoyne Campaign. 




GEX. SCIIITYLER's (|UARTKUS, STILLWATER. 



^(IT« WP? ILLl)?llijlT!0|l?. 



\ 



THE BURGOYNE CAMPAIGN. 



BEMIS HEIGHTS, 



SEPT'R 19TH AND OCT'R 7TH, 1777. 



HAUVER ISLAND AND ITS FORTIFICATIONS. 



BY H. C. MAINE, A. M., 
(Of the Troy Whig.) 



Ilustrated with Pen Drawings by Buckland, 



TROY, N. Y. : 

TROY WHia PUBLISHIN0 CO., PRINTERS. 

1877. 



'U 






PREFACE. 



A desire to search out and record in some permanent form the history 
of the occupation by an American array in 1777, of Hauvcr and Van 
Schaick's islands, at the sprouts of the Mohawk, gave rise to these pages. 
The remains of fortifications on Hauver island, are undoubtedly the best 
preserved of any relics of the revolutionary struggle. A study of the his- 
tory of these interesting remains opened to the whole history of Bur- 
goync's campaign and preceding events in the Champlain, St. Lawrence 
and Hudson valleys. In connection with the historical record, the writer 
sought to preserve by art, accurate representations of historic localities 
as they appear to-day. On account of the great cost of illustration, the 
difficulties were considerable. Happily there fell into the writer's hands, 
the circular of a Boston house, the Photo-Electrotype Company, announc- 
ing a new discovery by which the art of illustration was rendered com- 
paratively inexpensive. The method was tested and the illustrations of 
these pages are the result. They have defects, nevertheless they are faith- 
ful and accurate, having been reproduced with the greatest fidelity from 
original sketches by H. Buckland. We trust they may add to the knowl- 
edge of the localities now so interesting, and may guide our readers to a 
more complete understanding of the operations of the two armies engaged 
in the valley of the upper Hudson. For valuable aid and encouragement 
in the preparation of these brief pages, we are greatly indebted to Hon. 
James Forsyth, B. H. Hall, Dr. C. C. Schuyler, grand-nephew of Gen. 
Philip Schuyler, and H. Buckland, the artist. The principal object of 
these pages is to briefly describe the two great battles on the field of 
Bemis Heights, which finally decided the fate of Burgoyne's army in 1111. 

TBoy, N, Y., Sept. 19, 1877, H- c. m. 



u 



BURGOYNE'S FIRST EXPEDITION IN 1776. 




^'0 a good understanding of the two great events on 
Bemis Heights, September 19 and October 7, 1777, 
a brief review of preceding operations in the north 
is necessary. After the first collision at Lexington, 
April 19, 1775, it was the intention of the patriots 
to sieze and hold the gateway to Canada, and if 
possible induce that province to join in the struggle 
for liberty. By the aid of the provincial assembly of Con- 
necticut, Ethan Allen and Seth Warner, of the New Hamp- 
shire grants, (now Vermont), Col. Easton of Pittsfield, 
Mass., accompanied by Benedict Arnold, of New Haven, 
Conn., as a volunteer, seized Ticonderoga on the 10th of 
May, 1775 and the fortress of Crown Point on the 12th. 
Both "were strong. Crown Point was fortified by the 
French in 1731, and afterwards strengthened by the English. 
Ticonderoga was fortified by the French in 1755. The 
continental congress elected George Washington commander- 
in-chief on the 15th of June, 1775, and appointed Ar- 
temus Ward, Charles Lee, Philip Schuyler, and Israel 
Putnam major generals, Horatio Gates adjutant general, 
and Seth Pomeroy, Richard Montgomery, David Wooster, 
William Heath, Joseph Spencer, John Thomas, John Sulli- 
van and Nathaniel Greene brigadier generals. 

After precious time had been wasted Gen. Schuyler and 
Gen. Montgomery set out for the conquest of Canada. St. 
John's was besieged near the close of August, 1775, by 



Montgomery, General Schuyler* retiring to Ticonderoga on 
account of severe illness. On the 25th of September Col. 
Ethan Allen was captured in an ill-starred expedition from 
St. John's against Montreal, and was sent to England in 
irons. St. John's fell on the 3d of NoYember and Mont- 
gomery soon after entered Montreal in triumph. He 
pushed on to Quebec, arriving December 5th, having joined 
Col. Arnold who had arrived November 9th, and for a time 
had invested the city with about a thousand men, having 
made a terrible march of thirty-two days from Cambridge 
through the wilderness of the Kennebec and Chaudiere 
rivers. In Arnold's expedition, Capt. Daniel Morgan of 
Virginia, who was afterwards so conspicuous at Cemis 
Ueights, commanded a body of riflemen. Quebec was im- 
mediately besieged and an assault was made December 3 1 st, 
when Arnold was wounded and Montgomery killed.. 

For his gallant service Arnold was made a brigadier 
general. Quebec was defended by Sir Guy Carleton, gov- 
ernor of the province, and a brave, humane and skillful 
general. Arnold became chief in command of the defeated 
army and hopelessly continued the siege of Quebec, his 
troops enduring a rigorous winter. He was relieved April 
1st, 1776, by Gen. Wooster, Arnold assuming command at 



* General Philip Schuyler was born at Albany on the 22d of November, 1733. 
His grandlatlier, Peter Schuyler, was mayor of Albany and commander of the 
northern militia in 1600. His father, John Schuyler, married Cornelia Van Cort- 
land, and Philip was their eldest son. He inherited the vast estate of his father, 
by the custom of primogeniture, but generously shared his wealth wita his 
brothers and sisters. Icoung Schuyler commanded a company under Sir William 
Johnson at Lake George in IToS. He became a favorite of Lord Howe, and when 
that oflicer fell before Ticonderoga in 1758, Col. S hnyler conveyt d his remains to 
Albany. After the peace of l'i()3 he was active in the civil government of New 
York. In the Colonial Assembly of New York, he was a po« crful opponent of the 
aggressions of Great Britain. He was elected to the Continental Congress 
which assembled in May 1775, and was appointed a Major General on June 15th 
following. He was placed in command of the army in Northern New York and 
an expedition to Canada. After most eminent service in which he performed 
wonders in spite of the factious opposition of John Adams and a powerful New' 
England influence, he was superseded in the command of the northern army on the 
I'Jth of August, 1777. After the constitution was formed he was elected a senator 
with Rufus King, and subsequently in place of Aaron Burr in 17i)7. He dted in 
Albany, November ISth, 1804, aged 71 years. His daughter Elizabeth was the 
wife of Alexander Hamilton, 



i 



Montreal. Wooster was in turn relieved by Gen. Thomas, 
who arrived at Quebec May 1. He made an unsuccessful 
attempt to take the city on May 3d, and on May 6th was 
driven from Quebec by the arrival of British ships and re- 
inforcements from England under Gens. Burgoyne and 
Kiedesel. Gen. Thomas retreated to the mouth of the Sorel, 
the outlet of Lake Champlain. He was prostrated by small- 
pox, and carried to Chambly, where he died June 2d, 1776. 
Gen. John Sullivan then took command of the little army, 
June 5 and, threw up fortifications at the mouth of the Sorel. 
Part of Sullivan's force was defeated at Three Kivers, by 
the British advance under General Frazer. The Americans 
were commanded by Thompson and Wayne. On the 14th 
of June, Sullivan on the approach of the British fleet re- 
treated to "Chambly, and being joined by Arnold, from 
Montreal, retreated thence to St. John's, soon after to Isle 
Aux Noix, and early in June, 1776, to Crown Point. In 
order to fully understand this disastrous ending of the 
American invasion of Canada, let us briefly glance at the 
British plans and operations in that province. 

During the winter of 1775 and 1776 the British ministry 
had prepared to drive the Americans from Canada and re- 
take Crown Point and Ticonderoga. For this purpose and 
to reinforce the British army in America, the British gov- 
ernment, in the face of strenuous opposition in Parliament 
by Chatham, Burke, the Duke of Richmond and others, 
concluded treaties with the Prince of Hesse Darmstadt 
(treaty dated January 5th, 1776,) the duke of Brunswick, 
(treaty dated January 9, 1776,) and the landgrave of Hesse 
Cassel, (treaty dated January 15, 1776,) for the hire of 
17,300 men for service in America. These troops were 
mostly forced from their homes and impressed into service, 
being first shut up in fortresses and subjected to the se- 
verest discipline. They were loaded down with the heaviest 
arms and accoutrements. One of their drums captured at 
Bennington, now in the hall of the Massachusetts senate, 
weighs twenty pounds. Their guns were very heavy and 
their swords of enormous size and weight. Stedmau the 
historian, and a staff officer of Coruwallis, said that the hats 



6 

and swords of the German soldiers weighed very nearly as 
much as the whole equipment of one of the English, and 
that the worst British regiment could easily march two 
miles to their one. The canteens of the Germans held a 
gallon, and when full weighed ten or twelve pounds. Their 
caps had a heavy brass front with the legend, nunquam 
retrorsum (never backward). Many of these men were 
seized while at church, and most of them were excellent 
citizens. Many deserted in Europe, and after reaching 
America. Some of our best citizens were descended from 
these Germans, who were bought to be shot in America. 
They were the best disciplined men in the British army. 
It is related by Major General Heath, of the American 
army, in his memoirs, that at the battle of Brandywine, 
the Hessian grenadiers, after crossing Chad's ford, " halted 
at the foot of the hill, below the Americans, under a warm 
fire, and with great deliberation changed their hats (undress) 
for their heavy brass caps, and then ascended the hill, from 
which the Americans were obliged to retire." For these 
men the German princes were paid a subsidy, and seven 
pounds four shillings and four pence sterling for each soldier, 
and as much more for every one killed. 

The first division of these troops, Brunswickers, destined 
for Canada, embarked at Stade, March 17, 1776. They were 
commanded by Major General Friedrich Adolph Riedesel, 
an honorable gentlemen and brave and skillful officer. 
Under him were Lieutenant Colonel Friedrich Baum, (kil- 
led at Bennington, August 16, 1777), Colonel Johann Fried- 
rich Breyman, (killed at Bemis Heights, October 7, 1777), 
Colonel Johann Friedrich Specht, Lieutenant Colonel 
Praetorius, Lieutenant Colonel Gustav von Ehrenkrock, 
Colonel Wilhelm von Speth, and other brave officers. The 
Brunswickers numbered about 4,000. The command sailed 
under convoy from Spithead, April 4, 1776. Gen. John 
Burgoyne, who had witnessed the battle of Bunker Hill, and 
subsequently returned to England, followed the next day 
with Gen. William Phillips. Riedesel's troops arrived at 
Quebec about the first of May, Gens. Burgoyne and Phillips 
arriving about the same time. This army joined Carleton, 



who was commander-ia-chief and after defeating the Amer- 
icans at Three Rivers drove them out of Canada. Gen. 
Carleton proceeded with part of his forces to Chambly and 
St. John's. At tlie latter place he built a fleet, consuming 
the entire summer. 




WASHINGTON", FROM STUART's PAINTING. 

In response to repeated re((uests by Gen. Schuyler to aid 
the army in Canada, congress on the 17th of May voted to 
send an experienced general to Canada. Without consult- 
ing Washington, Congress directed him to send Gen. Hora- 
tio Gates* to command in Canada. He was given ab- 
solute power of appointment and removal of all officers of 
the army operating in Canada by simply notifying the 
changes to Congress for their approval. John Adams who 
was chairman of the board of war believed in Gates above 

* Gen. Horatio Gates was a trained Britisli soldier, the son of an English cler^- 
man. He was born in Essex, England, in 1728. He entered the army at an early 
age and was sent to America to fight against the French and Indians. He was 
wounded in the unfortunate expedition under Braddock. After peace with Fran.'e 
he settled in Virginia. At the commencement of the revolution he tendered his 
services to Congress and was chosen Adjutant General. He assisted Washington 
in the discipliDe of the 1 rces at Cambridge in 1775. He was a good tactician, but 
that is about all that can be said in his favor. He profited by the labor of others. 
With Adams' friendship and his own presumption he achieved a considerable 
reputa'ion at one time, but lost it all by plotting against Washington, and by 
utter failure in the south. 



all men. Other New England delegates who then formed a 
strong faction in Congress also believed that Grates was the 
man who could best conduct military operations. Gates 
had recently been promoted to a major general, and it is 
known that John Adams already had him in training to 
succeed Gen. Schuyler in command of the northern depart- 
ment. The infatuation of Adams and his compeers is 
unaccountable. The instructions given to Gates made 
him in many respects the superior of both Washington 
and Schuyler, thanks to the egotism and strenuous partisan- 
ship of Adams. Gen. Gates arrived in Albany to find his occu- 
pation gone, the broken American army having retired from 
Canada to Crown Point. Notwithstanding this, Gates was 
determined to take absolute control of the army that had been 
in Canada, although it had left that province. Gen. Schuyler 
made an issue with him aud was sustained. Gates finally pro- 
ceeded to the north, subject to the orders of Gen. Schuyler. 
Upon the appointment of Gates, Gen. Sullivan left the north- 
ern department and joined Gon. Washington. A council of 
oflBcers under Gates decided to abandon Crown Point and 
retire to Ticonderoga with the consent of Gen. Schuyler. 
Washington regretted this movement. 

In the meantime a portion of the British and German 
troops, destined for America, independent of those already 
arrived in Canada under Gen. Burgoyne, had arrived and 
landed at Staten Island. By the middle of July, 30,000 
troops were encamped on Staten Island under command of 
Gen. Howe and Sir Henry Clinton, ready to fall upon 
Washington's army at Brooklyn. 

Under the direction of Gates and Arnold, a small fleet 
was constructed at Ticonderoga during the summer of 
1770 and placed under command of Arnold, who, on the 
11th of October, fought a naval battle with Gen. Carleton's 
fleet, in the channel between Valcour island and the western 
shore of Lake Camplain. Arnold, after a desperate 
battle, was defeated with the loss of seven of his vessels, the 
rest escaping to Ticonderoga. Gen. Carletou occupied 
Crown Point on the Uth of October. It was too late, how- 



9 

ever, in the opinion of Carleton, to attempt a junction with 
Howe, although Burgoyne and. Eiedesel desired to push on. 
Hearing nothing from Howe, the position of the Americans 
was reconnoitered, and on the 3d of November Carleton re- 
tired from Crown Point to winter quarters in Canada. His 
cautiousness cost him his command, for Burgoyne was 
selected to command an expedition the coming season, that 
was to penetrate the country by the valley of the Hudson 
and cut the rebellious colonies in two. He sailed for Eng- 
land on the 2Gth of October to confer with the ministry and 
complete his plans. 

On August 27, 1776, Washington was defeated on Long 
Island. He was driven from Harlem Plains September 16, 
was defeated at White Plains October 28, but gained a vic- 
tory at Trenton December 26, and at Princeton January 
3d, and withdrew to winter quarters at Morristown, in East 
Jersey. By permission of Gen. Schuyler, Gen. Gates left 
Ticonderoga in the beginning of November and proceeded 
to Philadelphia to continue his efforts for the chief com- 
mand in the north. 




THE CAMPAIGN OF 1777. 




HE winter at Ticonderoga was a gloomy one. The 
garrison had dwindled, to a few hundred men in 
February, 1777. The garrison was under command 
of Col. Anthony Wayne, afterwards the hero of 
Stony Point. 
Thaddeus Kosciusko, the eminent Pole, was at 
Ticonderoga during the winter. Under his direction, the 
fortress on Mount Independence, on the east side of the 
lake, was strengthened, and a boom was constructed to pre- 
vent the passage of vessels to Skenesborough (now White- 
hall). Every effort in his power was made by Gen. Schuyler 
to strengthen and properly garrison Ticonderoga, but on 
account of the opposition of John Adams and others, in New 
England, Schuyler's eflForts were crippled, and he was com- 
pelled to defend himself, which he did in an inquiry he de- 
manded of Congress, he having been chosen a delegate from 
New York. A committee of inquiry was appointed on the 
18th of Aprik This committee, after a tardy examination, 
reported favorably, and Congress confirmed him in his com- 
mand. 

Before Gen. Schuyler's case had been examined, or any 
opportunity for defense had been furnished him. Congress 
had ordered Gates to repair immediately to Ticonderoga to 
take command there, and employ Gen. DeFermoy and such 
other French oflticers as he thought proper. Gen. Arthur 
St. Clair was also ordered to Ticonderoga to report to Gates. 
On the 17th of April, the day before the Schuyler inquiry 
was ordered, Gates arrived in Albany with the ofiicers de- 
tailed to act under him. 

Gen. Schuyler arrived in Albany on the 3d of June, where 
he was received with great joy. Gen. Gates was still at Al- 
bany, but his occupation was gone again, John Adams hav- 
ing made another failure. But Gates again proposed to hold 



11 

to the commission of Congress in spite of Gen, Sclniyler, 
but he failed again and returned to Philadeljihia, much in- 
censed. Generals St. Clair and DeFermoy, by command of 
Gen. Schuyler, proceeded to Ticonderoga on the 5th of June. 
Gen. St. Clair had command, having been made a major- 
general in February preceding. As the summer advanced 
recruits began to reach Ticonderoga slowly. 

Lieutenant General Burgoyne, after fully perfecting his 
plans, left London for Canada on the 27th of March, 1777. 
Although in high spirits, the great opportunity had been 
lost, and he was bound on a bootless errand. On the 6th 
of May Burgoyne arrived at Quebec with the commission 
of commander-in-chief of the troops in Canada. Never- 
theless the command of the home garrison was delegated 
to Gov. Carleton, and Burgoyne only commanded the expe- 
dition. On the 12th of May thirty-nine vessels arrived at 
Quebec with 400 of the troops purchased from Ilanau, 
eleven companies from England, a numbar of cannon aid 
a large quantity of war material. By the 18th of June the 
whole of the expedition had arrived at Cumberland Hsad 
on Lake Champlain. 

In addition to the formidable army of Burgoyne, an ex- 
pedition set out from Montreal under Lieut.-Col. St. Leger, 
who had been commissioned by George the Third to lead an 
independent force into the Mohawk country, to make a way 
to Albany, in the rear of the main army of the Americans. 
The expedition consisted of a force of British, Canadians 
and Indians, with Sir John Johnson, of Johnstown, and a 
body of his retainers and tories. 

About the middle of June, Gen. Schuyler heard of Bur- 
goyne's advance and plans. Every effort was made by 
Schuyler to reinforce Ticonderoga, but with little success. 
Troops were sent by Washington to Peekskill, but they re 
mained there until it was too late. 

Burgoyne moved from Cumberland Head to the mouth of 
the Bouquet, in Essex county, where he encamped on the 
21st and addressed the Indians who had joined him. His 
army was a splendid body of men. It was composed of three 



12 

thousand seven hundred and twenty-four British, rank 
and file ; nearly four thousand Germans, mostly Brnns- 
wickers ; two hundred and fifty Canadians, four hundred 
Indians and four hundred and seventy-three artillerymen ; 
in all between eight thousand and nine thousand men. Its 
train of bronze artillery was the finest that ever was mar- 




OKE OF BUEGOTNES CANNON, NOW IN THE TVATERYLIET 
ARSENAL. 

shaled with an aiuny of like size. The aitillery was under 
command of Major-General Wm. Phillips, who had distin- 
guished himself in the wars in Germany. "^Fhe Germans 
Avere commanded by Major-General Eiedesel, a brave and 
experienced Brunswick officer. The remainder of the force 
was commanded by Burgoyne, and Brig.-Gen. Simon 
Frazer, a gallant Scotch officer upon whom Burgoyne great- 
ly relied. The preceding cut is taken from one of Bur- 
goyne's twelve pounders, surrendered by the convention of 
Saratoga, October 17, 1777. It is of bronze, highly orna- 
mented with coats of arms and inscriptions. It has in- 
scribed upon it the following, which is significant in con- 
nection with the notable failure of the British army in the 
south to co-operate wit'i Burgoyne : 

The Right Honorable Lord Geo. Sackville, 

Lieut.-Gren., and the Resz of the 

Principal Officers of ECis 

Majesty's Ordnance. 

Lord George Sackville, afterward Lord George Germaine, 
secretary of state for the colonies, according to Lord Ed- 
ward Fitzniaurice, in his life of the Earl of Shelburne, 
properly signed the dispatches to Burgoyne, which had been 
settled upon, and they were sent off in an early packet, but 
the dispatches to Gen. Howe, ordering him to co-operate with 
Burgoyne were not well copied, and Lord Germaine did not 



13 

sign or wait for another copy, but posted off to his country 
seat to take his pleasure. When he was ready in London 
again to sign, Burgoyne's dispatclies had been gone some 
time. The vessel which carried Howe's orders was detained 
on its voyage, so that Ilowe went off in the wrong direction 
leaving Burgoyne to his fate. After the dispatches Avere re- 
ceived, Howe did what he could, but it was too late. 

On the 25th of June Burgoyne moved to Crown Point 
and issued a pompous proclamation, stating that he " had 
come to put an end to Ihe enormities of the people," and in- 
vited all Avell disposed to join him, and threatening ven- 
geance upon the hardened enemies of Britain, through his 
Indian allies. Plis bombast only excited ridicule. On the 
first of July he moved upon Ticonderoga in two divisions 
with his fleet bet^ween them. The corps of Gen. Phillips 
was upon the west shore and the Germans of Gen. Riedesel 
upon the east. 

To oppose the formidable army of Burgoyne, Gen. Schuy- 
ler had two thousand five hundred and forty-sis Continentals 
and nine hundred militia, the latter almost wholly without 
bayonets, entrenched at Ticonderoga and Mount Independ- 
ence. The garrison was wholly insufficient to man the works. 
Gen. Schuyler was at Albany awaiting the reinforcements 
from Peekskill. 

On the second of July, St. Clair abandoned the old 
French lines toward lake George. On the 3d Generals 
Phillips and Frazer occupied Mount Hope north of and 
commanding the outlet of Lake George, On the east side 
Col. Breyman threatened the road to Castleton, Vermont. 
On the night of the 4th of July, by advice of Burgoyne's 
engineer, Lieut. Twiss, a road was made to the summit of 
Mount Defiance on the south side of the outlet of Lake 
George and cannon dragged to the top, thus commanding 
the American works. 



ONE OF burgoyne's HOWITZERS. 



14 

On the morning of the 5th, St. Clair and his officers de- 
cided to evacuate. At two o'clock on the morning of the 
6th the garrison was put in motion. The main body set 
out for Oastleton with Col. Ebenezer Francis of Massachu- 
setts commanding the rear guard. The sick, with the 
provisions, under a convoy and troops under Col. Long, 
proceeded by batteaux to Skenesborough. Before leaving 
Mount Independence Gen. De Fermoy set fire to his quarters, 
revealing the retreat to the British. Gen. Frazer imme- 
diately began pursuit. Eiedesel and Breyman joined in the 
pursuit with their Germans, but owing to their heavy ac- 
coutrements they were slower than Frazer, who came up 
with the rear guard of the Americans under Francis and 
Col. Seth Warner at Hubbardton, 22 miles from Ticonder- 
oga, on the road to Castleton, on the morning of the 7th of 
July. Frazer immediately attacked. The Americans gave 
him a warm reception, displaying signal bravery. But 
Hale's regiment ran away and was captured, leaving but 
700 men to fight the British and Germans. The men under 
St. Clair refused to return and fight. After Kiedesel's 
Germans came up and charged, chanting a psalm, the 
Americans were compelled to fall back with the loss of Col. 
Francis and 324 killed, wounded and prisoners, exclusive of 
Hale's party. At one time the Americans got the advan- 
tage of Frazer. The British loss was only 183, inclnding 
Major Grant. This was the only battle fought in Vermont. 
Col. Warner retreated to Manchester, and General St. CJair, 
after wandering in the forests of Vermont for nearly a 
week, reached Fort Edward on the 12th of July with 1,500 
men. 

The retreat of the Americans from Ticonderoga to 
Skenesborough was disastrous. The British broke the 
boom between Ticonderoga and Mount Independence and 
with armed vessels, a body of the 9th British Infantry 
under Lieut.-Col. Hill, and savages, pursued, and were upon 
the Americans as they landed. Col. Long burned the boats 
and storehouses and the whole party fled to Fort Anne, 
reaching there on the morning of the 7th of July. Being 
reinforced, Col. Long marched out to meet the advance of 



15 

Col, ITill ou the Stli, defeated the British, but retreated to 
Fort Anne on account of lack of animunicion; burned the 
fort (an old stockade), and retreated to Fort Edward. 

The fall of Ticonderog-a produced the greatest consterna- 
tion, and the settlers in northern New York and western 
Vermont fled from their homes in utter terror. 

In the meantime Gen. Schuyler had waited impatiently 
at Albany until the 7th of July for the arrival of troops 
from Peekskill to reinforce St. Clair. On that day he set 
out for the north with a few militia, the Continentals fail- 
ing to arrive. On the route, between Stillwater and Sara- 
toga, Gen. Schuyler learned of the disaster, the full extent 
of which was not known until St. Clair reached Fort Ed- 
ward on the 12th. 

New England and John Adams now had their hour of 
triumph. They Had shamefully neglected to provide for 
the defense of the fortress of Ticonderoga, and it had fallen. 
But the New England faction did not take any blame 
to themselves but attributed all the misfortune to Gen. 
Schuyler. The good Samuel Adams even declared in a 
letter to Gen. Lee that "it was no more than he expected 
when Schuyler was again appointed to command." He 
added, " Gates is the man of my choice." All of this con- 
demnation was freely vented before any of the particulars 
had reached Congress or New England. Gen Schuyler was 
even accused of treason, and that silver balls were fired by 
the British into Ticonderoga and delivered to him by St. 
Clair. This ridiculous story was believed by many. Gen. 
"Washington cheered Schuyler, writing to him : " "We 
should never despair." The army had lost nearly every- 
thing but a few stores at Fort George, on Lake George. 

Burgoyne arrived at Skenesborough on the 10th of July 
and waited for his tents, supplies and artillery. The delay 
was his defeat and ruin. His splendid train of artillery * 



* A great number of Burgoyne's fine bronze cannon are now among the trophies 
at the Watervliet arsenal. The cuts which we present are from accurate drawings 
of these guns. This artillery was very fine for a London parade, but too cumber- 
some for a campaign In the forests of the North. His train consisted of forty- two 
pieces. 



16 
became an encumbrance and mastered him. He tbouo'ht 




MORTAR SURRENDERED BY BURGOYNE OCT. 17, 1777. 

he was a victor and immediately issued an exultant order 
detailing the success of his arms, and calling upon the 
people to join him. Schuyler answered him in vigorous 
style. Burgoyne was joined at Skenesborough by 1,000 In- 
dians and thought himself strong, and waited. The plan 
of Burgoyne was for his main body to move on to Fort Ed- 
ward, while a column under Phillips was to proceed up Lake 
George, reduce Fort George at its southern extremity and 
join the main body at Fort Edward. By this plan Bur- 
goyne subjected himself to the delay of clearing two roads 
to Fort Edward. It is stated that General Riedesel favored 
a route from Fort George directly south through the wilder- 
ness instead of marching along the Hudson. 

While Burgoyne waited, Schuyler was active. He re- 
moved the stores from Fort George and cut trees and 
destroyed bridges and choked Wood creek with fallen tim- 
ber, completely blocking Burgoyne's road. He also called 
on the inhabitants to drive their cattle and horses out of 
Burgoyne's reach. Schuyler's militia was destitute of 
proper food and shelter and were deserting. Still he toiled 
bravely and wrote in every direction for help to oppose Bur- 
goyne. Regarding Fort Edward untenable, with the aid of 
Kosciusko, the famous Pole, he fortified a position at Moses 
creek, four or five miles below. He asked for an ex- 
perienced general officer, and the brave Gen. Benedict Ar- 
nold was sent by Washington. General Benjamin Lincoln 
of Massachusetts was also sent to command the eastern 
militia. This was opportune, for the New England militia 
were deserting by regiments to secure their harvests. 



17 




COAT OF ARMS FROil ONE OF BURGOYNE S TWELVE 
♦ POUNDERS. 

On the 21st of July Burgoyiie began his advance toward 
Fort Edward. The labor was severe. Gen. Phillips began 
to cut his way through the obstructions from Fort George 
and Gen. Frazer advanced laboriously from Skenesborough 
by way of Fort Anne, outstripping PhillijJS. By tremen- 
dous effort Frazer's advance, consisting of savages, appeared 
before Fort Edward on the 26th of July and drove in the 
outposts. Frazer came up on the 27th and Burgoyne on 
the 31st. Only a small force was in the fort, but the inhab- 
itants in the vicinity immediately took shelter in it. 

On the 27th a reconnoiteriug party under Lieutenant 
Palmer was sent from the fort. The party fell into an am- 
buscade a mile north of the fort and fled for their lives. 
The Indians pursuing shot and scalped eighteen. When 
near the fort Lieutenant Palmer was shot. The Indians 
rushed forward and entered the house of a Mrs. McNeil, 
who was a cousin of Gen. Frazer, and being a loyalist, had 
not entered the fort for protection. The Indians there 
seized Mrs. McNeil and Jane McCrea, who was there as a 
visitor, and bore them toward Gen. Frazer's headquarters in 
the direction of Sandy Hill. On the way Jane McCrea was 
murdered and scalped in sight of the fore. Her body was 
3 



18 

buried next day by a party from the fort. There are many 
different versions of this affair. Mrs. McNeil was taken 
to G-en. Frazer nearly disrobed. Miss McCrea's lover, David 
Jones, was attached to Burgoyne's army as a lieutenant. 
This wanton murder did more to rouse the lagging colonists 
than any event that had yet occurred. The story touched 
all and roused the people to vengeance. 

On the 28th of July, Fort Edward was abandoned and on 
the 31st, the army of Gen. Schuyler retreated from Moses 
Creek to Saratoga, (now Schuylerville), and a few days later 
to Stillwater. In the meantime Gen. Lincoln had been sent 
to the New Hampshire Grants, to raise a force in addition 
to Col. Seth Warner's, and was ordered to hang upon the 
flank and rear of Burgoyne. 

At Fort Edward, Burgoyne found the difficulties in sup- 
plying his army increase. He had no horses to mount his 
dragoons or haul his supplies, and his men were compelled 
to bring provisions from Fort George to supply the troops 
from day to day. 

At this time, Tryon county, into which St. Leger was ad- 
vancing from Oswego, was asking Gen. Schuyler for aid. 
In June, 1776, Gen. Schuyler had sent Col. Dayton to re- 
pair the works at Fort Stanwix, where the city of Kome now 
stands. He made partial repairs and named the fort Schuy- 
ler. In the last of Arpil, 1777, Col. Gansevoort, with the 
Third New York regiment, 750 strong, was sent to supply 
his place. 

Gen. Schuyler again asked Washington for reinforcements, 
but Washington could spare only Glover's brigade, as he 
was intently watching Howe, confidently expecting he would 
move up the north river to support Burgoyne. Howe had 
not received Lord George Germaiue's dispatches, and con- 
sequently acted in a way that sorely puzzled Washington. 

On the first of August, the forces of St. Leger, 1700 strong, 
appeared before Fort Stanwix. On the 2d the fort was in- 
vested. In July, Lieut.-Col. Marinus Willett, of New York, 
had joined the garrison under Gansevoort. The garrison 
amounted to 750 men. General Herkimer called out the 



19 

Tryon county militia and marclied to the relief of the 
garrison fighting the desperate and bloody battle of Oriskany 
on the Gth of August, as he was approaching the fort. 
Gen. Herkimer was mortally wounded and died a few 
days after. A sortie from the fort on the same 
day, was very successful, the enemy losing a great 
quantity of baggage and stores with five stands of colors. 
Gansevoort refused a summons to surrender, and Col. Willett 
and Lieut. Stockwell volunteered to pass through the enemy's 
lines to ap-prise Gen. Scliuyler. They left the fort on a 
stormy night and started on their journey. On the 12th of 
August they reached Stillwater and asked for reinforcements. 
Gen. Schuyler was then quartered in the Dirck Swart house, 
still standing in the northern part of the town. A sketch 
of the house is presented in another place. On the 13 th a 
council of war was held. The officers opposed sending re- 
inforcements and intimated that Gen. Schuyler meant to 
weaken the army. Gen. Schuyler heard the remark and 
immediately replied with considerable anger that he took 
the resi)onsibility himself, and called for volunteers the next 
day. The brave and impulsive Arnold volunteered, and on 




GENERAL BENEDICT ARNOLD. 

the next day set out with 800 men to relieve Fort Stanwix. 
He arrived at Fort Dayton on the 20th and pressed forward 
as rapidly as possible. He sent forward from Fort Dayton 
a tory prisoner, Hon Yost Cuyler, with an exaggerated 
story of Arnold's force, and his clothes shot through with 
bullets. He reached St. Leger'scamp, told his story, which 



20 

was corroborated by an Oneida Indian who followed, and 
created such a panic that the Indian allies of St. Leger 
precipitately fled on the 22d of Angnst, compelling him 
to follow, leaving his tents and artillery. Bnrgoyne, at 
Fort Edward, had heard by courier of St. Leger's arrival 
before Fort Stanwix and determined to push on to Albany 
to co-operate with him. But Burgoyne needed provisions. 
Major Skene advised an attempt to seize the American 
stores at Bennington. Gens. Philips and lliedesel opposed 
the measure as very hazardous. But Burgoyne, trusting to 
the loyalty of the region, determined to make the attempt. 
On the 9th of August he detached Col. Baum to Benning- 
ton with 500 Germans, Canadians and Tories, and 100 In- 
dians and two small cannon. He was to try the affections 
of the country, mount Eiedesel's dragoons, obtain large sup- 
plies of cattle, horses, carriages and stores. He set out on 
the 12th, reached Cambridge on the 13th, skirmished with 
the Americans and learned that the Americans were 1800 
strong at Bennington, and sent word to Burgoyne. On the 
14th Baum captured a mill at Sancoik, driving Col. Gregg 
with a party of 200 Americans before him. Gregg being 
reinforced by Stark's troops at Bennington,Col. Baum did not 
force the fighting, but withdrew to a wooded height on the 
Walloomsack, four or five miles north-west of Bennington, 
in the state of New York, intrenched, and awaited rein- 
forcements. By order of Burgoyne, Col. Breyman set out 
on the 15th, with 500 heavily armed Germans, with two 
field pieces, to reinforce Baum. 

Gen. Stark, an experienced soldier who had retired to his 
home in New Hampshire after the battle of Princeton, because 
congress had not promoted him instead of j unior officers, 
had been induced by his state to take command of a force 
to repel any incursion of Burgoyne into New England. At 
the time of Baum's invasion he was at Bennington holding 
an independent command from New Hampshire, having 
refused on the 8th of August to join Gen. Schuyler. Stark 
heard of Baum's approach on the 13th and dispatched Col. 
Gregg to meet him, in the meantime sending for aid to 
Massachusetts and to Manchester, Vermont, to Col. Seth 



SI 

Warner, who, with General Lincoln, was acting under Gen. 
Schuyler's orders. On the 14th Gen. Stark marched out to 
meet Baum, the latter being well intrenched on two 
heights. On the 1.5th it rained heavily. Warner's 
regiment was on the march from Manchester. Warner 
himself was on the ground in time to aid Stark in his dis- 
positions on the 16th. About 3 o'clock in the afternoon of 
the 16th Stark, having a force estimated at from 1,800 to 
2,500, fell upon Baum in liis intrenchments and crushed 
him. Baum was on the summit of the hill and was killed, 
while nearly all his men were either killed or taken pris- 
oners. Breyman came up the Cambridge road to reinforce 
Baum, while Stark's men were scattered for the plunder 
they had been promised. A running fight ensued. Baum's 
cannon were finally turned upon Breyman, who was fired on 
from the woods on both flanks, and Setli Warner's regiment 
coming up from Manchester, after drying themselves in 
Bennington, put Breyman to flighty with the loss of his two 
pieces of cannon. In all 207 of the enemy were killed and 
seven hundred made prisoners. 

After dispatching Baum to Bennington, Burgoyne moved 
down the east side of the Hudson to the mouth, of the Bat- 
tenkill, nearly opposite Old Saratoga. He made his headquar- 
ters at the house of Wm. Duer (then in congress), near Fort 
Miller. He constructed a bridge of boats across the Hud- 
son and threw over Frazer's corps to fortify the heights and 
plains of Saratoga north of Fish creek, the ground upon 
Avhich he afterward surrendered. Old Saratoga was south 
of Fish creek. On the 17th of August Burgoyne heard of 
the disaster to Baum and Breyman and, greatly excited, 
put himself at the head of his army and went out to meet 
Breyman. Breyman came in and encamped with the army 
on the plain at the junction of the Battenkill and Hudson. 
On the 26th of August Burgoyne heard of St. Leger's re- 
treat from Fort Stanwix and was very despondent. Hear- 
ing nothing from Howe he lost heart, and instead of acting 
with vigor, sat still, and waited for suj)plies and reinforce- 
ments. 



GENERiL SCHUYLER AT THE SPROUTS OF 
THE MOHAWK. 




REMAINS OF THE EASTERN REDOUBT ON HAUVER ISLAND, 
SOUTH OF WATERFORD. 



] HEN Gen. Schuyler held a council at Stilhvater on 
the 13th of August to decide upon reinforcing 
Fort Stanwix, it was also decided to take up posi- 
tion at the mouths or sprouts of the Mohawk. 
This movement was imperative, as on that date, 
Gen. Schuyler had not one militiaman from the 
east and but forty from New York. Besides, the 
position was one of great strategical importance at that 
time, being on the road to Montreal and the route from the 
Mohawk valley. In case of the success of St. Leger the 




23 

American army woakl be in position to prevent an attack 
in the rear from his victorious forces. The movement was 
made on the 14th of August, before the battle of Benning- 
ton or "Walloomscoik, and when an advance of Burgoyne 
Avas momentarily expected. The main army encamped 
on Van Schaick's Island opposite Lausingburgh and re- 
doubts, (see map and cuts,) three in number, connected by 
intrenchments, were thrown up on the north end of Hau- 
ver Island opposite Halfmoon, (now Waterford). These re- 
doubts are in an excellent state of preservation, the cuts 
whicn we present being from accurate sketches made last 
summer, (June 1877.) The redoubts commanded the fords 
of the north sprout* of the Mohawk and of the Hudson 
opposite Halfmoon Point. Tliey were thrown up under the 
direction of Gen., Kosciusko. 

Halfmoon had been a halting place for troops on their 
way to the north since 1775, when Col. Waterbury of Con- 
necticut halted there in August, 1775 with his regiment on 
their way to join Schuyler's expedition into Canada. Hig 
troops were employed in repairing the old road to the north 
so that supplies could be more easily forwarded. 

While Gen. Schuyler had been making the best prepara- 
tion possible t:> meet Burgoyne, his enemies in Congress 
had been busy. Although Gen. St. Clair took the entire 
responsibility of the evacuation of Tico;.deroga, and 
Schuyler had received but little support in his patriotic 
efforts to stop Burgoyne's advance, John Adams and his 
faction saw their opportunity to put Gates in Schuyler's 



*At that time there were no bridges across either the Hudson or Moliawk. The 
only ferry on the Mohawk between Van Schaicli's Island and Schenectady wag Lou- 
don's about five miles up the river, where Arnold was posted with the left 
wing of he American army, for the purpose of preventing a passage at that place. 
There was another ferry near Halfmoon Point. To cross the Hudson would only 
have been leading Burgoyne out of the way on the opposite side of the river ; be- 
sides the conveying so large an irniy over that stream in a common s ow boat, and 
at the same time subject to the opposition of the Americans who lay near by, 
would have rendered such an undertaking impracticable. These being the facts, 
Burgoyne's course necessariiy la- across the sprouts, as they were called, or mouths 
ol ihe Mohawk, which, I sccpt in time of Ireshets, were fordablc, and by four of 
which that stream enters the Hudson ; the second and third forming Van Schaick's 
Island, across which the road passed, and was the usual route at that time.— JS'eil- 
on's History. 



24 




CENTRE REDOUBT ON HAUVER ISLAND, OPPOSITE 
WATERFORD. 

place. Ou the 1st of August, Congress passed a resolutiou 
ordering Gen. Scliuyler who was then facing Burgoyne at 
Moses Creek with a handful of men, " to repair to head- 
quarters, and that G-en. Washington be directed to order 
such general officer as he shall think proper to repair im- 
mediately to the northern department to relieve Major 
General Schuyler in his command there." This resolutiou, 
with one passed July 20 'h du*ecting an inquiry into the 
evacuation of Ticonderoga, T;as forwarded to Gen. Schuyler 
on the 5th of August. He received them on the 10th but 
determined to continue his arduous labors with patriotic 
spirit until his successor should arrive. 

Gates's New England friends were so anxious that he be 
appointed that they drew up an impertinent letter praising 
Gates and requesting Washington to appoint him. The 
letter was in the handwriting of Samuel Adams and was 
first signed by John Adams, the other New England dele- 
gates followiuff. 



25 

[The trees growing upon the redoubts pictured in the two 
preceding cuts are of large size and are doubtless sprung 
from seed dropped in the fresh earth thrown up by Gen. 
Schuyler's army a hundred years ago. The present owner 
of the island, A. A. Peebles, a grandsoii of John G. Va';;. 
Schaick,* who A^as the owner in 1777, has jealously guarded 
these mementofs of the past.] 




WEST REDOUBT ON" HAUVER ISLAND. 

Gen. Was' ington did not like this impertinence and in a 
letter to Congress on the 3d of August, declined to act. He 

*Jotiu G. Van Schaick was a brother-in-law of Col. Peter Gansevoort, the brave 
(Icfendcrof Fort Stanwix, and himself a sterling patriot. He loaned to Gen. Ga'es 
$10,000 in gold to pay the army, laking for security continental notes of credit, 
which were never redeemed, many being now in possession of his descendants. 
Gen. Gates had his headquarters for a time at Van Schaick's house, which is still 
standing ojiposite La' siugburgh. The island had been in possession of the Van 
Schaicks since about 1643, it being part of the Halficoon patent, which extended 
for several miles up the Hudson and up the Mohaak. John G. Van Schiick is well 
remembered by the oldest residents of Troy and Lansingburgh as the last man who 
wore a cocked hat and knee-breeches, in this vicinity. 

4 



26 




MAJOE GENERAL PHILIP SCHUYLER. 



had, in fact, lost confidence in Gates, but had the greatest 
esteem for Schuyler. Schuyler was Washington's peer in 
almost every sense of the term, while Gates was a man of 
mean spirit. Congress then, through eastern influence, im- 
mediately appointed Gates, giving him absolute power (sub- 
ject to Congress) of removal and appointment in his 
department, a power which he afterward exercised in 
humiliating Arnold. The army was not greatly pleased 
with the change, the New England general officers having 
joined with others in expressing regret at the necessity 
which compelled Gen. Schuyler to leave the command of 
them. Arnold, who was the bravest general and best sol- 
dier in the army, had a profound respect for Schuyler and 
his military skill. It is safe to say that Arnold would have 
ended his career differently, had he not been subjected to 
the meanness of Gates and the coldness of John Adams. 



27 

Gen. Schuyler gracefully delivered his command to Gen. 
Gates, who arrived at Van Schaick's on the 19th of August. 
On that day Gen. Schuyler had congratulated Gen Stark on 
his victory at Bennington, and, Stark, acceding to General 
Schuyler's wish, subsequently joined the army under Gates 
on Van Schaick's Island. Gen. Schuyler continued with the 
army for some time, but Gen. Gates ignored him, and he 
did not intrude. In December, Congress acquitted him of 
all blame for the loss of Ticonderoga. He then left the 
army to the great regret of Washington. 




3JAP OF llAUVEU liSLAMJ. 



Gen. Poor's brigade was encamped at Loudon's Ferry, five 
miles up the Mohawk. Poor was joined toward the last of 
August by Col. Daniel Morgan, with his corps of riflemen, 
which had been detached from Washington's force, reach- 
ing Gates' army, by forced marches. Gen. Arnold also en- 
camped at Loudon's Ferry alter his return from the relief of 
Fort Stanwix. The army, while resting at the sprouts of 
the Mohawk, was clothed, paid and reorganized. 

With a dense forest between him and Burgoyiie's force, 
Gates knew little of the enemy. About the first of Septem- 
ber Dr. Wood, surgeon to General Burgoyne, arrived at Van 
Schaick's with a letter from his general complaining of the 
treatment of the prisoners captured by Stark at Benning- 
ton. On the second of Se})tember Gates answered Bur- 
goyne in a public letter reciting the murder of Jane 



28 

McCrea* and the cruelties inflicted by the savages following 
the British army. This letter aroused the Americans and 
greatly aided in strengthening the army. In Parliament, 
Burke used the story told by Gates with powerful effect. 



* General Gates wrote: "That tlie savages should, iu their warfare, mangle 
the lie happy prisoners who fall into their hands, is neither new no- extraordinary; 
but that the lainous General Burgoyne, in whom the fine gentleman is united with 
the scholar, should hire the savages of America to scilp Europeans; nay more, that 
he should pay a price for each scalp so barbaiously takea is more than w ill be belie ved 
in Europe, until authenticated facts shall in every gazette confirm the horrid tale.'' 
He adaed : "Miss McCrea, a young lady, lovely to the sight, of virtuous character 
and amiable disposition, engaged to an officer of your army, was, with other women 
and children, taken out of a house at Port Edward, carried into the woods, and 
there scalped and mangled in the most shocking manner. Two parents with their 
six children, were treated with the same inhumanity, while quietW resting in their 
own happy and peaceful dwelling. The miserable fate of Miss McCrea was particu- 
larly aggravated, by being dressed to receive her promised husband ; but met her 
murderers employed by you. Upwards of one huB Ired men, women, and children 
have perished by the hands of the ruffians, to whom, it is a^^serted, you have paid 
the price of blood." This letter was effective, although the facts were not carefully 
stated. 

As the heroine of the sad romance, which had such an efli'ect upon the fortunes of 
the 8 ruggUug colonies, Jane McCrea, well deserves the place given her in these 
pages, Th! port -ait which we present is ideal, but made from a careful study of 
her personal appearance, as decribed by those who kuiw her history and character. 
Charles Neilson. author of "Bargoyne's Campaigo " received from his father, 
who dvei on the field of Bemis heights, and those who knew Jane McCrea, a de- 
scription of her appaarance. Mr. Neilson writes: " At the lime of her death she was 
about twenty three years of age, of middling stature, finely fjrmed, dark hair, and 
uncommonly beautiful." 

In 1S4S Lossing visited, at Glen's Falls, " Mrs. F n," then sixty years old 'he 

granddaughter of Mrs. McXeil, who was captured with Miss McCrea. She related 
the story as follows: "Janj M "X'rea was the daughter of a Scotch Presbyterian 
clergymm of Jersey City, then kuowu as Paulus' Ilook. Mrs. McNeil was an inti- 
mate acquaintance of Miss McCrea's father, and when he died, the latter went to 
live with her br ;ther at Von Edward, where Mrs. McNeil then also resided. Near 
her brother lived a family named Jones, and Miss McCrea and young David Jones 
became attached to each other, and were betrothed. The Joneses took the royal side 
when the war brjke out an 1 in the antarEn of 1770, David Jones and his brother 
Jonathan raiseJ a company ot men under pretense of going to swell the garrison at 
Ticjnderoga, but continued djwn the lake and proceeded to Crown Point, where 
they joined the British army. When Gen. Burgoyne advanced to Fort Edward in 
17'7r. David Jones was a lieutenant in the corps of General Prazer. Mrs,.McNeil 
was a cousin of General Frazer, and a staunch loyalist. Miss McCrea's brother 
was a staunch Wiiig, and when the British approach jd he left Fort Ed ward and went 
to Ss'.iuyler's army at Moses creek. His sifter lingered with Mrs. McNeil, with a 
laint hope that she might see her lover. Her brother sent repeated requests lor 
her to join him, and on the 25ih of Jaly h) give her a p.remptory order to that 
eflfect. She promised to leave the next day." 

Early on the morning of the S'th the Indians appeared. Nearly everybody but 
the Liyalists hid taken refuge lu Fort Edward. Tne two women were siezed and 
carried ofl' toivard Gen. Frazjr's cimp. Miss McCrea on horseback. The Indians 
nearly disrobed Mrs. McNeil and took her into camp Sojn after they appeared 
with a scalp which she recognized as that of Mijs McCrea. She charged then^ 



29 

Burgoyne denied Gates's charges indirectly, although he 
must have known that Whigs and Tories had been alike 
wantonly murdered. The whole family, six in number, and 
three negro slaves of John Allen, a Tory of Argyle, were 
murdered the same day that Jane McOrea lost her life. 
Burgoyne did not dare to punish his red allies, for many had 
already deserted. They helped to work his ruin by arous- 
ing the people to vengeance. 

In the south Howe, without the orders, which as we have 
seen, lay in the office of Lord George Germaine in London, 
or belated by his indolence, were on a storm-tossed vessel, 
went skylarking after glory by the capture of Philadel- 
phia, instead of moving up the Hudson to help Burgoyne. 
As Burgoyne advanced on Ticonderoga, Howe evacuated 
New Jersey, and 6n the 5th of July put his army from 
17,000 to 20,000 strong, on transports, and lay within Sandy 
Hook until the 22nd, a puzzle to Washington, who expected 
he would move up the Hudson. Clinton was left at New 
York but was indolent, and had no orders. Before putting 
to sea Howe turned toward the Hudson, and Washington 
hurried Lord Stirling with his division to Peekskill ; but 

with murdering Miss MCcrea. but they said she was killed by a bullet from a party 
of Americans who pursued from the fort, and they saved the scalp. Mrs. McNeil 
Delieved the story, and Lossing was also inclined to believe it. Lossing says 
Miss McCrea's hair which hung from the scalp '■ was of extraordinary lengih and 
beauty, "leasuriu? a yard and a quarter. She was then about twenty years old, 
and a very lovely girl." The ver.-^ion of Miss McCrea's death given by Lossing is 
only supported by he tale of he Indians who witnessed it and took her scalp. 
Mrs McN^eil did not know how Miss McCrea died. 

Neilson's version of the affiir received from Caleb Baker, Esq., of Sandy Hill, is 
probably the rorrect one. Caleb Baker was but six years old at the time of the 
murder, but his father who lived at Sandy Hil was in the fort and saw the whole 
aflfair. Neilson writes : '• Fro u that place, then in plain view of the scene he saw 
Jane McCrea shot from her horse by the Indians. On that day no one dared ven- 
ture from the fort, but at dawn of the morning of the 2Sth, Mr. A. Baker, in com- 
paay with a file of 'tien from the fort, went in search of the body of .Jane, and found 
it naked and mutilated,about twenty rods from the spot where they had seen her fall 
the day before, together with the body of an American officer, both stripped and 
scalped. Neither Mr. C. Baker nor his father, A. Balier, found the murdered Jane 
while still breathing, nor were the Indians sarDrised by an American scout. There 
was no such scout." 

There is no proo' that the Indians were sent for Miss McCrea by any one in the 
British camp. They were merely a marauding party ready to murder, scalp and 
mutilate anyone who came in their way. They doubtless quarrelled over Miss 
McCrea and she was shot in the melee. The m inner of her death is a mystery like 
that of the lost dauphin and the man in the iron mask. 



30 




JANE MCCREA. 

Howe turned about and went up the East river, and then 
put to sea on the 23d of July. He had a stormy time. For 
seven days lie was beating- about the capes oP the Delaware. 
Twenty- six days he tacked to the southward to euter Chesa- 
peake bay. Washington learned about the first of August 
that Howe was off the Delaware capes, but feared that the 
movement Avas a feint. So he marched and countermarched 
until the 22d of August when he learned that Howe had en- 
tered Chesapeake bay. On the 2oth Washington reached 
Wilmington, Delaware. Howe landed at Elktown on the 
25th, 54 miles south of Philadelphia. He had lost his 
horses by his stormy voyage and was crippled. Washing- 
ton, on the 9th of September, took position north of the 
Brandywine creek, and Howe attacked and defeated him 
there on the 11th, but owing to the loss of his horses could 
not gather the fruits of his victory. Washington retreated 
to Germantown. 



THE FIRST BATTLE OF BEMIS HEIGHTS, 



SEPT. 19, 1777. 




N the 8th of September Gen. Gates brolse camp at 
Van Schaick's Island and marched to Stillwater, 
arriving there next day. According to Lossing, 
Gates's army then out-numbered Burgoyne's, which 
had been depleted by the battle of Bennington and 
the necessity of garrisoning Ticonderoga, Carleton 
refusing to perform that service. Other authorities place 
Gates's army at about 6,000, when it arrived at Stillwater. 
It was at first decided to intrench there, but by the advice 
of Kosciusko a more eligible position was selected three 
miles up the river on the right bank at Bemis Heights, so 
named from a man named Bemis who kept a public house 
at the foot of the river hills on the old road to Skenes- 
borough. Here the wooded river hills, abont a hundred 
feet high, and seamed with ravines, approached to within 
about forty rods of the river. The 
road at that time ran along the 
river bank. Northward from Be- 
mis's the river flat widens by a 
bend in the stream, narrowing to 
a few rods at Wilbur's Basin about 
two miles above Bemis's tavern. 
The ravines run back to the west 
gradually decreasing in depth as 
the ground rises, until at three- 
quarters of a mile there are con- 
siderable areas of level land fit for the movement of troops. 
In 1777, there were a few rude clearings on the heights west 
of the river, the principal one being on Freeman's farm. This 
was an oblong space in front of the Freeman cottage (see map,) 
its length extending east and west and containing some 




THADDEUS KOSCIUSKO. 



^2 

twelve or fourteen acres. There were also clearings on 
Bemis Heights, about three-quarters of a mile northwest 
of Bemis's tavern. This ground, the highest in the vi- 
cinity, was then occupied by John Neilson and is now 
owned by his son's widow, Mrs. Charles Neilson. These 
points are accurately indicated on the map of the field here 
presented. 




MAP OF BEMIS HEIGHTS. 

Along tlie brow of the river hills, Kosciusko* located 



*Thadcleu8 Kosciusko was born in L thuania 'n 1730 f an anc ieiit andu ble fam- 
ily. He was educated in Fiance. There lie became acquainted wi li Dr. Franlilin, 
and was by him recommended to Gen. Washington. Before leaving Poland he had 
eloped V ith a beau iful lady cf high rank. Tbcy were overtaken n their llight by 
her lather, who made a violent attempt to rescue his daughter. The young Pole 
had either to slay the lather or abandon the young lady. Abhorring the former 
act, he sheathed his swoid and toon after elt the country. He came to America 
and joined the patriot army a? a volunteer, Oct. 18, 1776. 



breastworks, strengtliencd at intervals with redoubts for 
cannon. On each side of Bemis's tavern, on the hills, strong 
redoubts were erected. The lines ran from Bemis's north- 
ward, bending to the west in circular form with a strong re- 
doubt at the sharpest turn. This is the northeast redoubt 

ii!l ||Ujv 




ANIEKICAU WORKS ON 
THE RIVER FLAT 
OPPOSITE BEMIS'. 



GROUND PLAN OF AMERICAN AVORKS ON THE RIVER FLAT. 

commanding the plain and river, and is on a sandy hill. 
Within this redoubt is now a neglected burial place of the 
Vandenburgh family, with a few monuments still standing. 
The elder of the Vandenburghs was an ardent republican, 
and his house on the river below was burned on the 19th 
of September. From this redoubt to the west, the lines fol- 
low the bend of a ravine. At the head of this ravine, on 
an eminence, about 50 rods east of the old Neilson house, 
was subsequently erected another redoubt, designated on the 
map as the " centre redoubt." Of these lines, hardly a ves- 
tige remains. According to Neilson the American lines 
did not extend westward much beyond the northeast redoubt 
on the river hills, at the time of the first battle. Lossing 
says the American intrenchments at that time reached the 
heights where the Neilson house now stands. The lines 
were about three-quarters of a mile in extent from the river. 
From the foot of the abrupt height of the river hills, an in- 
treuchment extended across the narrow flat to the river op- 




AMEIllCAN WORKS ON THE RIVER FLAT AS THEY APPEAR 
TO-DAT. 
5 



34 

posite Bemis's tavern, with a redoubt on the river bank com' 
manding a floating bridge. These intrenchments are in an 
excellent state of preservation and are very interesting. 
Military engineers who have examined them, say they are 
in excellent form to resist attack in front and from the 
river. About a half mile above Bemis's tavern, a short 
line of breastworks, with a redoubt, was thrown up, south 
of Mill Creek, where the road crossed that stream. 

Burgoyne rested at the mouth of the Battenkill on the 
east bank of the Hudson, until the 11th of September, 
gathering supplies for 30 days. Without consulting his of- 
ficers, he surprised them on the 11th with an order to be 
ready to move forward next day. It had been intimated to 
Burgoyne by some of his officers, that it would be wisdom 
to fall back to Ticonderoga. He felt compelled to obey the 
orders given him by the British ministry, and mov^ed for- 
ward. The British generals in this campaign obeyed orders 




THE OLD NEILSON HOUSE OK BEMIS HEIGHTS, WITH A VIEW 
OF BURGOTNE'S camp at WILBUR'S BASIJf. 



35 



too strctly, instead of using common sense. Burgoyne went 
forward hoping to push through to Albany by some piece of 
good luck. As Gates said of him, he was a "an old game- 
ster," and had a certain respect for chance. From the time 
he gave the order his movements seemed to lack decision. 
It is said of Burgoyne by the Baroness Eiedesel, who joined 
her husband in the early summer with her three children, 
that high revel and debauch rendered him unfit for the 
proper discharge of his duties. The German historians, 
Von Elking especially, attributed Burgoyne's defeat to 
neglect of duty. He crept toward his goal at a snail's pace, 

giving the Americans time to 
rally. The bridge upon which 
Frazer had crossed the Hudson 
to the heights of Saratoga, had 
been carried away by a freshet, 
and a new one was constructed 
of rafts just above the mouth 
of the Battenkill. A redoubt 
was thrown up and cannon 
planted to cover this bridge. 
Remains of this embankment 
still exist on the east shore. 
The 12th of September was 
consumed in preparation. On 
the 13th and I4th the army 
BUEGOYNE. crossed by the bridge and a ford 

below the Battenkill. 

Just as Burgoyne moved, Gen. Lincoln, then in Vermont, 
sent Col. Brown with 2,000, Thacher says 500, men to at- 
tack the forts on Lake Champlain and Lake George. He 
surprised Fort George, captured a vessel conveying provision, 
captured a post at the outlet of Lake George, destroyed a 
large number of boats and armed vessels, released one hun- 
dred Americans, captured 289 prisoners and five cannon, 
occupied Mount Hope and Mount Defiance with the old 
French lines, and summoned Ticonderoga to surrender. 





36 

The commandant refused and as Col. Brown's artillery was 
deficient, he rejoined Gen. Lincoln. 
Without giving attention to this 
raid in his rear, Burgoyne pressed 
on to the south. On tlie loth he 
moved from Saratoga, but was de- 
tained by the repairing of bridges j^^. 
which Gen. Schuyler had destroyed, ^j^'^ 
and it was the 18th before he 
reached Wilbur's Basin. He slowly 
dragged his great train of artillery, GEiifERAL Lincoln. 
including two heavy 24 pounders 

and a heavy baggage train. His movements had been 
watched by Lieut.-Col. Colburn from the high hills east of 
the Hudson, and reported to Gen. Gates. By the 15th Gates 
was fully prepared. The right wing composed of the brig- 
ades of Glover, Nixon and Patterson, under the immediate 
command of Gates, occupied the brow of the hill and the 
lines by the river. The left wing, commanded by Arnold, 
occupied the western portion of the line about three-fouiths 
of a mile from the river. Arnold's old headquarters now 
form the wing of the Neilson house. 

Arnold's command consisted of Gen. Poor's New Hamp- 
shire brigade, the New York militia regiments of Pierre 
Van Courtl'and and Henry Livingston, two Connecticut 
regiments and Major Dearborn's Massacluisetts infantry 
with Morgan's corps of riflemen. The centre was composed 
of Massachusetts and New York Continental troops, and 
consisted of Learned's brigade, with Bailey's, Wesson's and 
Jackson's regiments of Massachusetts, and James Living- 
ston's of New York. On the 17th, Arnold, with 1,500 men, 
was ordered forward to harrass Burgoyne's advance. On 
account of the impracticable ground on the wooded river 
hills, he could not well attack in flank and would not attack 
so powerful a force in fi'ont, and retired after a skirmish 
having captured a number of prisoners. About this time 
some of the New Hampshire militia were inclined 
to insubordination, and had determined to return home. 
Gates succeeded in holding them by ofiifriug a bounty of 



37 

SIO each, until the avrival of Gen. Stark, who had been left 
behind on account of illness. 




GEif. JOHN STARK. 

Bnr^oyne on examining the ground determined to march 
around the left wing of the Americans, while a feint was 
made in the direction of the American works on the flat. 
This plan well-nigh succeeded, and Avould have been fully 
accomplished had it not been for Arnold, who by great ex- 
ertion, persuaded the timid and indolent Gates to permit 
an attack on the British flanking force before it should be- 
come dangerous to the American position, which had no 
protection bnt the woods on the left. 

Burgoyne fortified his camp at Wilbur's Basin by re- 
doubts on the river hills and entrenchments extending 
across the river flat. Frazer was posted on the pluteau 
back of the second hill north of the Basin, where what is 
known as "the great redoubt" was situated, (see map.) 

Burgoyne formed his forces in three columns. The right, 
composed of British grenadiers, British light infantry, the 
2-ith Brunswick grenadiers, and a battalion with eight six- 
pounders under Lieut. Colonel Breyman, was led by the 
gallant General Simon Frazer, his front and flanks being 
covered by Indians, Canadians and Tories. Burgoyne was 
with the centre column, consisting of the 9th, 20th, 21st, 
and 62nd regiments with si^: six-pounders, led by Brigadier 
General Hamilton. The left wing, commanded by Generals 



38 

Phillips and Riedesel, was principally composed of Germans, 
and the heavy artillery, with a force of Canadians and In- 
dians in advance. Frazer took a circuitous route along a 
new road to its intersection with tiie road leading north- 
west from Bemis Heights (Fort Neilson of the map), thence 




MAJOR GEN. HORATIO GATES. 

he proceeded south toward the American left to some high 
ground at the head of the middle ravine, about one hundred 
and fifty rods west of Freeman's cottage. Burgoyne followed 
the stream now forming Wilbur's Basin for a half mile and 
then moved to the southwest to a point a little south of 
Freeman's cottage near the middle ravine. Phillips and 
Eiedesel moved down the river road. At eleven o'clock 
Burgoyne fired a signal gun notifying the left wing that he 
was in position. The British advance then moved forward. 
On the flats the Canadians and Indians marched through 
the woods to the attack but were scattered with considerable 



30 

loss by the A.mer'can pickets. The movement on the Hats 
was but a feint to distract Gates, and it succeeded; for he 
refused to withdraw troops from that quarter after Riedesel 
had marched away to reinforce Burgoyne. From the begin- 
ning Gates was in liis quarters and did not understand the 
battle. It is even asserted, and recorded by Lossing, that 
he was not in condition to understand it on account of in- 
toxication. Bnrgoyne and Earl Balcarras, it is also asserted, 
drank wine to a late hour the night before the 19th, but 
Avere on the field, and handled the British with great skill. 
If Gates was indolent and timid, Arnold was alert. When 
the Canadians and Indians began to swarm in the woods in 
his front and on his left, he knew that the enemy meant to 
flank him, and that the battle must be fought in the woods 
and on the hills, instead of behind intrenchmcnts, as Gates 
intended. Arnold implored Gates to permit a movement to 
thwart the enemy's intentions. 

Finally Gates consented to detach Col. Daniel Morgtin, 
(afterward a general,) with his riflemen, and allowed Ar- 
nold to support him. With this permission Arnold began 
the battle vigorously. Morgan about 
noon attacked the Canafrians and 
Indians advancing in front of Bur- 
goyne at the middle ravine, south of 
Freeman's cottage, and drove them 
back. Eeinforced by the British, 
the Canadians drove Morgan back, 
when he was reinforced by Dearborn 
and at one o'clock the battle was 
renewed. At this time Arnold gen. daniel mor- 
with his command attacked Frazer's gak. 

right, intending to turn it, but not succeeding counter- 
marched and attacked Frazer's left to cut him ofi" from the 
center. Frazer in turn attacked Arnold's left. The fight- 
ing was on and about Freeman's farm. Arnold was gain- 
ing positive advantage when troops from the British 
center tell on his right and compelled him to withdraw. 
Arnold being reinforced rallied to the attack, again causing 
the British line to waver ; when Gen. Phillips followed by 




40 

Riedesel and his Geriniins, who had marclicd up from the 
flats through the thick woods, appeared. Phillips, in ad- 
vance of the heavily accontered Germans, attacked, but 
with little effect. But Hiedesel, moving to the attack on a 
line nearly perpendicular to that of Arnold, compelled him 
to give way. Riedesel thus saved Burgoyue from disaster. 
For a while the conflict ceased, and both armies rested. 
While this battle was raging Gates was inside the intrench- 
ments, stubbornly refusing farther to reinforce Arnold, 
although with reasonable diligence he might have learned 
that Riedesel had reinforced Burgovue. Burgoyne re- 
newed the battle by a cannonade and bayonet charge across 
the clearing of Freeman's farm, but the Americans sent 
him back as quickly as he came, following his retreat. 
At this time Arnold was at headquarters vainly asking for 
reinforcements, although Neilson says Learned joined 
him. Arnold returned again to the field and, encourag- 
ing his men, the battle raged more furiously than ever, the 
opposing lines swaying back and forth across the clearing 
of Freeman's farm. A British field battery of four guns 
Avas repeatedly taken and retaken, but finally remained with 
the enemy. The American fire was terribly destructive. 
Night put an end to the conflict, the British resting upon 
the field, though badly crippled. The British loss ex- 
ceeded six hundred. The Americans lost in killed, 
wounded and missing three hundred and nineteen men. 
Arnold was the hero of the day, and his success made Gates 
envious. Gates refused to renew the engagement next day, 
when requested by Arnold, and would give no reason. He 
finally admitted that it was lack of ammunition. This was 
evidently Gates's neglect. Gen. Schuyler then sent up from 
Albany a supply of window leads for bullets. Arnold was 
diligently insulted from the day of the battle. In his report 
Gates did not mention him, but said the battle was fought 
by detachments from the army; and Wilkinson, Gates's adju- 
tant insisted that the return of Morgan's rifle corps be made 
to him althougli it was in Arnold's division. Arnold and 
Gates finally came to an open rupture, and Gates exercising 
his arbitrary powers removed him from command. The 



41 

general officers prepared an address asking him to stay with 
the army as another battle was imminent. This was with- 
held, although Arnold was apprised of it. Gen. Lincoln, 
who had arrived with 2,000 men on the 29th of September, 
was placed in command of the right wing. 

Burgoyne withdrew a little on the 20th and intrenched 
himself, his lines resembling in contour those of the Ameri- 
cans (see map). Breyman, with his Hessians, held a flank 
redoubt on the extreme right, the Light Infantry under Earl 
Balcarras, and Frazer's command occupied the intrench- 
ments about Freeman's cottage, with Hamilton's brigade on 
the left extending to the north branch ravine. The rest of 
the army, including Riedesel's command, was on the river 
hills and the flat by the river. 

A section of thje British works still remains in a good state 
of preservation in the woods on Pine Plains, south-west of 
the present residence of E. R. Wilbur, on the road running 
west from Wilbur's Basin. 



BSiTlSH, 1^ M-r>- ■ ,„ W—t-^tUll"' 

UPeenK seFT. 19.13/7 i 






GROUND PLAN, BRITISH WORKS ON PINE PLAINS. 

The ground on winch these works are situated is owned 
by Edward and William Lerrington. The ground of the 
two battles. September 19 and October 7, is now owned by 
John Newland of Scillwater, the widow of Isaac Freeman 
and Asa F. Brightman. Joseph Rogers owns the ground 
where Frazer l"ell, and Ebeuezer Leggett owns the ground 
of the Hessian flank redoubt, commanded by Breyman, 
where Arnold was wounded. William Dennison owns the 
site of Gates's headquarters. 

The Americans completed and strengthened their works, 
erecting a strong redoubt on the heights a few rods north of 
the present site of Neilson's house, where stood a log barn 
which was converted into a block house and named Fort 
Neilson. The lines were also run to the south from this 
point, and flank defences were constructed. 
6 



42 

On the 21st Burgoyne received a promise of assistance 
from Sir Henry Clinton at New York. On the 4th of Octo- 
ber Sir Henry and General Vaughan moved up the Hudson 
river. On the 6th he captured Forts Clinton and Mont- 
gomery. Fort Montgomery was commanded by Grovernor 
Clinton, and the other post by his brother, Gen. James Clin- 
ton. The British ships broke the chain across the Hudson 
between Fort Montgomery and Anthony's Nosa and sailed 




SALLY PORT OF BRITISH WORKS ON" PINE PLAINS AS IT . 
APPEARS NOW. 

up the river. On the 9th Governor Clinton captured a mes- 
senger from Fort Montgomery to Burgoyne. He was seen 
hastily to swallow something, and was given a dose of tartar 
emetic, throwing up a silver bullet containing a dispatch 
from Fort Montgomery, saying the way was clear to reach 
Gates's army. Upon the I3th of October the fleet moved 
up and burned Kingston. Ciinton arrived too late to save 
the town, but immediately hung the spy upon an ajjple tree. 
Lossing says he saw the bnllet a few years ago in possession 
of Charles Clinton a grandson of General James Clinton. 
The British pushed on as far as Livingston's Manor, but 
there heard of Burgoyne's defeat on the 7th of October and 
returned to New York. 



THE SECOND BATTLE OF BEMIS HEIGHTS, 
OCTOBER 7, 1777. 




FTER the 19th of September militia flocked to Gates's 
army frodi all quarters, and at the close of the month 
he had a formidable force. Gates moved his quarters 
"^^^^^ from Bemis's to the left of the line. On the 1st of 
^^<h; October Burgoyne put his army on short allowance. 
*^^^ On the west, the wings of the two armies were 
within cannon shot. On the fourth, Burgoyne 
consulted Eiedesel, Phillips and Fraser. Burgoyne 
proposed another attempt to turn the American left. 
Riedesel advised a retreat to Fort Edward. Frazer was 
willing to fight. On the 7th of October, shirking the resj^on- 
sibility of ordering a battle, Burgoyne ordered a reconnoi- 
sance in force. This resolution to fight, after the experience 
of the 19th September, and when hopelessly outnumbered is 
unaccountable, except on the theory that Burgoyne was too 
proud to retreat or had lost his grip as a cautious general, 
through indolence and excesses. Whatever happened he 
was certain of reproach if he did not succeed, so he fought. 
Burgoyne with 1,500 meu, eight cannon and two howit- 
zers, marched out on the morning of the 7th and formed on 
an emineuce (indicated on the map) west of the British 
right wing. Five hundred rangers and savages were sent to 
make a circuit to the rear of the American left and produce 
a diversion. They drove in the American pickets and 
advanced toward the breastwork south of Fort Neilson, but 
were driven back by a sharp fire. Before Burgoyne had 



44 

formed his line the Americans were on the alert. The 
American left was composed of two brigades under Generals 
Poor and Learned, with Morgan's Eifle corps and New 
England Militia. Morgan, with about fifteen hundred men, 
was ordered out to au eminence on Burgoyne's right, while 
General Poor's brigade and a pare of Learned's moved to 
attack the British left and center. Morgan first became 
engaged with the Canadians and savages whom he drove 
back to the main British line. On the left of the British 
line, which had moved forward to a wheat field, was Major 
Ackland with the artillery under Major Williams. The 
center was composed of Brunswickers under Riedesel, and 
British under Phillips. The light iufantry under Earl 
Balcarras was on the left. In advance of the right was 
Frazer with five liuudred (Neilson says a thousand) picked 
men. At half-past two o'clock the Americans attacked both 
flanks of the British. The British artillery on the left 
fired over the heads of the Americans, who rapidly advanced 
and delivering their fire opened to right and left, sheltering 
themselves by the woods fronting the British to avoid the 
sweep of the artillery, then charged to the very mouths of 
the cannon. Five times one of the cannon was taken and 
retaken, finally remaining with the Americans, the British 
falling back. The Americans greatly encouraged pressed 
the British on every side. Major Ackland* was shot 
through both legs and made a prisoner, and Major Williams 
was captured. On the British right Morgan made a furious 
attack and drove Frazer back to the main line. Morgan 
moved quickly to the left and again attacked the British right 
throwing it into confusion. While changing position to 

* Major Ackland was carried to General Poor's quarters (the Neilson House) 
whera his wife, Lady Harriet Ackland. who had been with him in the British army 
since l~7tj, joined him two days after the battle. This beautiful and accomplished 
lady, with a letter from Burgoyue. was carried in an open bo t accompanied by 
Chaplain Brudenell and attendants, from Burgoyae's army, north of Wilbur's Basin 
down the river during a drenching rain storm and landed attue American intr-nch- 
mentson the river flat. When the sentinel hailed them Lady Harriet answered- 
She wa< then conveyed to her wounded husband. Major Ackland at a dinner 
party, alter his return to Euglan i, warmly defended American c mrage against the 
asperiions of Lieutenant Lloyd. A duel followed in which Major Ackland was 
shot dead. Lady Harriet was insane for two years on account of his death, but re- 
covered and married Chaplain Brudenell. 



45 

meet Morgan, Major Dearborn attacked the British in front. 
The British right then gave way, but was formed again in 
the rear by Earl Balcarras and brought into action. Arnold, 
though deprived of command, had watched the battle, and 
becoming greatly excited, sprang upon his horse, and with- 
out orders, placed himself at the head of three regiments of 
Learned's brigade, and led them against the enemy's center. 
Tne troops were inspired by the presence of their old and 
trusted commander, and made such a charge that the 
British center was broken, giving way in disorder. When 
Gates learned that Arnold had joined the battle he sent 
Major Armstrong to order him back, but Armstrong could 
not follow where the intrepid commander led and did not 
come up with him until he was wounded in carrying Brey- 
man's redoubt. ♦ 

Arnold and Morgan were now the leading spirits, and in- 
spired by them, the British were pressed from every quarter. 
Frazer, the bravest and best of Burgoyne's ofiicers, was 
making every effort to rally the troops and hold the line. He 
was everywhere conspicuous on an iron grey charger. He 
alone could bring order out of the confusion, and wherever he 
rode the troops fought with new spirit. In the thickest of 
the fight he was shot by one of Morgan's riflemen, (Timo- 
thy Murphy), it is said, at the suggestion of Arnold. 

A panic seized the British and Burgoyne took command 
in person, but the master spirit had fallen, and the Ameri- 
cans being reinforced by three thousand men under General 
Ten Broeck, the whole British line gave way and fell back 
to their intrenchments, leaving their cannon behind, most 
of the artillerymen and horses being slain. The Americans 
pursued ; and led by Arnold the lines commanded by Earl 
Balcarras were assaulted, but without success. Arnold then 
assaulted the British, between Breyman's redoubt and 
Earl Balcarras's line, defended by Canadians and Tories. 
Here at length the British gave way. Arnold then 
ordered a general assault while he with the regiment of 
Brooks assaulted the German flank redoubt commanded by 



46 



Breyman and already engaged by Learned. Arnold nislied 

into the sally port with his 
powerful horse, spreading 
terror among the Germans 
who had seen him unharm- 
ed in the thickest of the 
fight. The Germans fled 
giving a parting volley 
which shattered Arnold's 
leg that had been wounded 
at Quebec, and killing his 
horse. Breyman was mor- 
tally wounded and died on 
the field. Major Armstrong, 
with a message from Gates 
found Arnold wounded in 
the redoubt. Arnold's brav- 
ery had again crowned the 
American arms. Night, or 
the loss of Arnold in the 
field, put an end to the con- 
flict. For his daring and 
ability to skillfully handle 
troops in action, a modern 
writer has named Arnold 
the Ney or Desaix of the 
American revolution. Arnold 
was borne to camp and 
thence to a hospital at Albany, where he was under the care 
of the good Dr. Thacher.* While Arnold was winning the 

* Thacber in his Militarj' Journal f>ays tliat Arnold in the desperate charge at 
Breyman' s redonbt. "had so little control of his mind, that while brandishing his 
sword in animating the officers and soldiers, he struck Captain Pettiugill and Cap- 
tain Brown, and wounded one of them on the head without assigning any cause. 
These officers the next day requested Colonel Brooks to accompany them to Arnold's 
quarters to demand au explanation. He disavowed any recollection of the fact, 
and denied that he had struct an officer; but when convinced of it, readily offered 
the required apology.'' Dr. Thacher also wrote in his Military Journal on the 12th 
of I ctober : " The last night I watched with the celebrated General Arnold, whose 
legs was badly fractured by a musket ball while in an engagement with the ene- 
my on ihe 7th lust. He is very peevish, and impatient under his misfortunes iind 
required all my attention during the night." 




47 

battle, Gate^ (according to Wilkinson, his adjutant), was in 
his camp discussing the merits of the struggle with Sir 
Francis Clarke, Burgoyne's aid, who, wounded and a prison- 
er, afterward died. Gates in his report, which he insulting- 
ly sent to congress instead of Washington, barely mentioned 
Arnold and Morgan. 

About midnight General Lincoln's division, which had 
remained in camp, marched out to the relief of those upon 
the field. The American loss in killed, wounded and miss- 
ing did not exceed one hundred and fifty, and Arnold was 
about the only officer wounded. The British lost seven 
hundred. The field of Freeman's farm where the most 
desperate figliting occurred and where the British dead were 
hastily buried, has been prolific in interesting relics. Elisha 
Freeman, whose, grandftither owned the farm, and was an 
American scout, has a large collection. 




RELICS FROM FREEMAN S FARM."* 

In 1823, Ebenezer Leggett came from Westchester county 
to the old Freeman farm. At that time the British re- 
doubts were well defined. Mr. Leggett has plowed up great 
numbers of skeletons, rifie and cannon balls, and twenty or 
thirty years ago plowed up the well-preserved skeleton of an 
officer wrapped in a blanket. A part of the red uniform 
was entire, the color being unchanged. He still exhibits it 
to curious visitors. He also has well-preserved skulls. 
When Mr. Leggett moved and repaired a barn on the Free- 
man farm, about 184G, he found quite a large sum of money. 
British gold and silver, guineas .^ud half-joes. It was scat- 
tered over a space of about forty square feet near where a log 

* Tlu,< group consists of a cartridge box, bayon(-t, silver Ijnife, tomahawk, a large 
button from the unitorm ofColoncl Peter Gansevoort (.presented to Mr. Freeman by 
Gansevoorfs descendants), and a small military button worn by a member of the 
24th British regiment. 



48 

house stood in the time of the revolution. The snm is 
stated by Mr. Leggett at between eighty and ninety dollars. 
It is reported, however, in the neighborhood that the sum 
made a good fortune. 

Breyman's redoubt captured by Arnold was the key to 
the British position, and on the night of the 7th, Burgoyne 
moved his artillery and stores to a point a mile north of his 
first position at Wilbur's Basin, still holding the redoubts 
on the river hills north of the Basin. 

The gallant Frazer was conveyed to the house of John 
Taylor near Wilbur's Basin where he expired on the morn- 
ing of October Sth. Tiie house was standing until 1846. 
The Baroness Kiedesel, who occupied the house on the day 
of the battle Avrites : "About four o'clock in the afternoon in- 
stead of the guests, which I expected, General Frazer was 
brought on a litter, mortally wounded. * * * General 
Frazer said to the surgeon, ' Tell me if my wound is mor- 
tal ; do not flatter me.' The ball had passed through his 
body. * * He was asked if he had any request to make, 
to which he replied that if General Burgoyne would permit 
it, he should like to be buried at six o'clock in the evening, 
on the top of a mountain, in a redoubt which had been built 
there. * * * 

I could not sleep as I had General Frazer and all the 
other wounded gentlemen in my room. About three o'clock 
in the morning I was told he could not hold out much 
longer ; I had desired to be informed of the near approach 
of this sad crisis, and I then wrapped up my children in 
their clothes, and went with them into the room below. 
About eight o'clock in the morning he died. After he was 
laid out, and his corpse wrapped up in a sheet, we came 
again into the room, and had this sorrowful sight before us 
the whole day. 

* * We knew that General Burgoyne would not refuse 
the last request of General Frazer, though by his acceding 
to it, an unnecessary delay was occasioned, by which the in- 
convenience of the army was much increased. At six o'clock 
the coi'pse was brought out, and we saw all the generals at- 
tend it to the mountain. The chaplain, Mr. Brudenell, per- 



49 

formed the funeral service, rendered nnnsually solemn and 
awful from its bein^ accompanied by constant peals from 
the enemy's artillery. Many cannon balis flew close by me, 
but I had my eyes directed toward the mountain where my 
husband was standing amid the fire of the enemy." 




SITE OF THE GREAT REDOUBT WHERE FRAZER WAS BURIED. 

The mountain with the redoubt upon it of which the Baro- 
ness speaks, is what is known as the " great redoubt " and 
is the second spur of the river hills north of Wilbur's Basin. 
It now shows no vestiges of a redoubt, the plow having done 
its work. 

Two lonely pines guard the resting place of the gallant 
officer who fought for a coronet and found his grave there. 
Much interest attaches to this hill. The American cannon 
which fired upon the burial party were posted on the plain 
southwest of the redoubt, the Americans having advanced 
and occupied the British intrenchments and pushed parties 
forward to harrass Burgoyne's flank. It is said the Ameri- 
cans fired minute guns when they ascertained it was a burial 
party. 

The burial hill is a conspicuous landmark. Mrs. 
Catharine Barker, a daughter of Fones Wilbur, from whom 
Wilbur's Basin was named, and grand-daughter of John Mc- 
Carthy, who first bought the land about the Basin, 200 
7 



50 

acres, from the Sclinyler patent, relates that within her rec- 
ollection, the burial' hill was covered with excavations made 
by parties searching for Frazer's remains or for money. To 
her knowledge, and she is a very intelligent and active lady, 
no traces of Frazer's remains were ever discovered. She 
has come to question the fact of his burial there, and is in- 
clined to believe that it is not known where Frazer was 
buried. She is quite certain that his remains have never 




MRS. CATHARINE BARKER. 

been removed, although some Englishmen visited the region 
a long time ago to ascertain his burial place. 

After the burial of Frazer, on the night of the 8th, Bur- 
goyne retreated without his sick and wounded, in a heavy 
rain, reaching Saratoga on the evening of the 9th ; and on the 
10th crossed the Fish Creek where intrenchments had been 
previously thrown up by Frazer. The Americans harrassed 
the British along their line of retreat, on the rear and both 
flanks. A party was found in front of Saratoga throwing 
np intrenchments. The retreat was a bad aflfair. Every- 
body was wet, tired and hungry. G-en. Phillips said to 
Baroness Riedesel who wanted to go forward as Bnrgoyne 
was halting at Do-ve-gat, " What a pity it is you are not 
our commanding general." There is great significance in 
this censure of Burgoyne. The Baroness was under the 



51 

American fire a good part of ihe way. After the army 
reached Saratoga the Americans under General Feilows 
fired cannon shot into the camp from a battery on the east 
bank of the Hudson. Tlie Baroness and a nnmber of her 
friends took refuge in the cellar of a house which is still stand- 
ing. The heights about Burgoyne's camp were soon occu- 
pied and intrenched by the Americans in strong force, and 
Burgoyiie's supplies were cut off. It even became danger- 
ous to procure Avater and the army suflercd greatly on ac- 
count of insuflBcient food. 

An attempt to retreat to Fort Edward failed. That post 
had been occupied by the Americans under Col. Cochran. 
Burgoyne's provisions on his batteaux were destroyed. 
Gates, who was far in the rear, heard ihut Burgoyne had 
gone to Fort Edward, leaving but a rear guard, and ordered 
Gen. Nixon to cross Fish Creek. He crossed, but was at- 
tacked by an overwhelmint- force and retreated with some 
loss. Finally Burgoyne consulted his generals on the 12th 
and on the 13th, called a council of all officers. While it 
was being held a cannon shot swept across the table and 
cut their deliberations short. It was resolved to open a 
treaty for surrender. The same evening a flag of truce was 
sent to Gates and negotiations begun. Hostilities ceased on 
the loth and the convention was signed on the 17th, when 
the British army laid down their arms, being sent to Eng- 
land on parole, the officers retaining their side arms and 
baggage. Thus ended the disastrous campaign of Burgoyne. 
The British and Germans were marched under escort to 
Boston where they embarked for England. After his 
surrender. Gen. Burgoyne was entertained by Gen. Schuy- 
ler at Albany, although he had ordered Schuyler's house at 
Saratoga, to be burned. 




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